It Was A Very Good Year…

Time is so fleeting, and perhaps the most significant gift blogging gives us is a frame of reference and a way to look back on our year, and even our life, and see it as it unfolded in ways that otherwise might have been forgotten.

Yes, there were projects and crafts and recipes and everything else a lifestyle blogger like myself tends to post about. But that’s not what set 2015 apart from the rest.

YOU did.

In January, many of you, my most thoughtful and caring readers, helped Beau. A sweet golden retriever that was unjustly kept in a shelter for many months and destined to be put to sleep for no reason other than he was in the wrong place at the wrong time. But thousands of people, tens of thousands actually, rallied together and today he lives happily with his beloved owner.

We were in Florida for January and February, and when we returned we wasted no time and purchased ‘BAM‘, our RV, and by the time this post is published, it will be where we’re hanging our hats while in Florida.

In April, I paused long enough to write a long overdue ‘Life Lessons For My Daughter’ post. It’s still hard to believe she will be 30 in March. Yes, time is indeed fleeting and so very precious, and judging from the comments I received on that post, many of you agree.

In May, once again many of you helped Brenda get through a rough patch. You gave generously to her GoFundMe account, and truly made a difference in her life.

No round-up post would be complete without at least one or two projects highlighted, would it? Twenty fifteen was our first full year at the cabin, and there was much to do, not the least of which was the yard. Although it’s far from finished, we made some progress (and I got killer biceps) when we completed our flagstone wall and our fire pit.

In September, I took part in my very first ‘Fall Home Tour‘, an endeavor that forced me to step out of my comfort zone, not to mention do more (pssst…a LOT more) seasonal decorating than usual.

We’re fortunate to live in a beautiful area, most notably in the Fall. We took a short drive in October to Vermont during peak foliage, and I captured it in all its glory in this post.

In November, I was honored to be Spotlighted on Kris’s blog. I received so many lovely comments, both from old and new friends. And speaking of old and new friends, I got to meet one of each in November on the same day! That’s me top left with Amy, and Cindy, a blogger I’ve followed for quite some time, is seated bottom right next to her good friend.

There’s no denying it’s fun to post about projects, get feedback and suggestions, but it doesn’t hold a candle to getting to know each and every one of you. This past year has brought me closer to so many of you, and I hope you feel the same. Reading your thoughtful comments lights up my day, so here’s a HUGE thank you all of you who take the time out of your busy lives to stop by.

In other news…

I’ve got some fun posts scheduled for January and February, mostly organizing, small space decorating and inspiration. I wrote them before leaving for Florida so I could enjoy our time there as much as possible, but I hope to be posting about our adventures as well. I will also be sharing some news soon that is long overdue, so stay tuned!

Comments

house honeys is a special place.
i’m so glad you came into my life. and now … with my silver memory … i don’t even know how!
but the important thing is… you did!
stay safe dear one. in your wonderful travels!
and it wouldn’t hurt you to share the secret of your immense energy you know… with some of us who are slugs!
whom are slugs! XOXOXO♥

You’ve had a year of amazing adventures, House Honey, and it’s wonderful to be reminded of some of the highlights that brightened your year. Here’s to a very special 2016; may it be filled with health, happiness and lots of stuff – to post about!

Great post! Now I have to go back and read and relive your year! I found you near the end of this year but look forward to all you have in store for next year. Wow, you are ambitious to have already written posts for the next two months! I don’t even know what my next one will be about!

An outstanding year, for sure, Doreen! You are truly a person with a very big heart. I am honored to be included in your year-end post, but mostly, so happy that we got to meet this year! Safe travels, my friend! Looking forward to hearing about your Florida adventures!

What a great year, Doreen. I only met you through Kris’ spotlight, but this will give me a chance to look back and get to know you better. Enjoy your winter haven, and we’ll be in touch as the posts are published. I’m so happy you also feel the connections are what make blogging so special – above and beyond any home & garden decor or project. Have a happy and hopeful start to the new year.
Rita

Can’t wait to hear about your new adventures! Yes, I remember that dog you championed. And yes, you did something quite wonderful and charitable in helping others help me. And it truly, truly got me out of the hole I was sinking into and gave me some padding until I could get back on my feet after the “Italian debacle.” I still see her in blog rolls with my URL! I’m so glad you got to meet the bloggers. They are always such special people. Blog Land itself is such a giving place that I have enjoyed being a part of for 8 years now! You did get a LOT done on your landscaping, and I do love that cabin of yours. I am envious that you could just take off for an outing in Vermont in the fall. On my bucket list! Thanks, dear friend, for being my friend.
Brenda

I can only imagine the pictures you would capture if you lived near me. Of course, every place has its gifts, but Vermont in autumn is truly spectacular and unrivaled. If you can get yourself up here, I’ll leave the light on fer ya’.

Hi Doreen,
I hope you had a wonderful Christmas and are enjoying your stay in Florida. I look forward to hearing about your new adventures. Your post about meeting good friends and wonderful bloggers surely sums up how I feel as well. What a great way to meet so many nice friends. Have a memorable New Year! Hugs, Marsha–The Little Yellow Corner Store

Doreen,
It was a very good year and wow you were busy and productive! It has been a blessing for me to get to know you better and join in on your adventures.
Looking forward to another year and all of the joys it will bring!
Happy New Year!
xx
Jemma

I am loving reading all of the “Year in Review” type posts. I hope your Christmas was awesome and full of joy for you and your family! My year in review is simple…I’ve met some of the best people EVER!! Hugs and safe travels!!

It was indeed a good year!
I met you this year!!! 😀
I’m thinking it must have been around the time you were lugging around that flagstone!
LOL!
Honestly, I’m REALLY looking forward to 2016.
Hoping for it to be the best year yet!
I can’t hardly wait to read about your next adventure!
XOXOXOXO

I can’t believe how fast the time has flown – and we’re going to begin a brand new shiny year in a matter of days. Always kind of an exciting time in my opinion. I kind of fashion my look at a New Year, like Anne Shirley of Green Gables looked at each day. It’s brand new with no mistakes in it (yet anyway). 😉

Love looking back at your memory lane on the year Hon! Such wonderful things accomplished. And of course, getting to know you – my wonderful Friend – that much better too. You’re a treasure to me!
Wishing You and the Fisherman, and your Daughter (& all of your family) many blessings for 2016!! xoxo

It was a good year wasn’t it? Your kind messages encouraging me as I retired really gave me the self confidence to start getting more in touch with my artsy/crafty side of myself. I look forward to reading your blog in the new year! Wishing you and your family a happy, healthy new year!

Aww. It’s been such a pleasure meeting and getting to know you, Doreen. I appreciate your kind words, inspiration, and encouragement. You’re a wonderful person and I’m proud to call you friend. It looks like you had a very happy, productive, adventurous, and fun year! Lots of great posts, most of which I’ve had the pleasure of reading.
I wish you a new year filled with happiness, good health, love, and continued blogging success. <3 xx

Thank you Vashti! I hope you know I feel the same way about you, and wish you nothing but good things for 2016 and beyond. Your support means the world to me, and although our blogs are very, very different, I think we appreciate each other’s talents and skills in a way that is unique in the blogging world. I’m certainly old enough to be your mother, but I think of you as a friend and equal in every way that matters.

xxx

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